Sa Majesté Magazine IX by Sa Majesté Magazine.

2 ISSUE #009 - MAY 2021

Editor's Note

Today is Mother’s Day! A day to celebrate our mothers. Happy Mother’s Day to the Makers Of Miracles (M.O.Ms). We should thank our mothers for being the constant support and guide for what we are today. Let us make this day memorable for the love of life, the Mother. With this, I would like to also take an opportunity to thank my mother for everything she has ever done for me. Also, much thanks to you, every mother out there taking the risks for their children. With everything that has been happening in the world recently, all we need is a moment to smile and thank God for life and the love of our mothers. I’ll love to dedicate this Mother’s Day issue to all mothers but most especially the single mothers that are forced to play mom and dad, making all these sacrifices to give their kids things and the life they never had.

@ebangha njang

Hello everyone, welcome to the 9th issue of our magazine. Yes! Ninth issue! Thank you guys so much for the continual support. We would not make it this far without y’all. I am so humbled. Thank you so much.

Enjoy this issue and please let us know if there are any topics you’d like to see covered in the future. Happy reading and Happy Mother’s Day!

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’m blessed and grateful to have been raised by my biological mother - Florence Njuzy Asonganyi. A privilege and journey not everyone is born to experience. I’m the third of my mother’s four children. Unlike my father, she didn’t give any of us “favourite” child privileges growing up, which kept all of us equally close to her till date. My earliest memories of my mother is a collage of scenes where she plays the role of an energetic hustler and a firm teacher to everyone around her. A no-nonsense beautiful woman who was bent on raising great and open minded kids while focused on making money to support her family and live her dreams- BIG DREAMS. I grew up in Essos-Yaoundé surrounded by an averagely stagnant crowd. But for my mother, I didn’t have neighbours or close family members who inspired me. Nobody was making moves. Everyone was contented with the rat race or less. By age 10, I watched my mother transform from a regular working wife to my dream woman; an international business tycoon. Mind blowing to say the least. Back then I didn’t know what my feelings towards this meant but today I understand it was a mixture of profound respect, admiration and inspiration.

Watching this once-upon-a-time regular woman level up before my very young eyes, transformed my subconscious mind forever. She was suddenly catching flights around the world, importing and exporting goods, buying cars, putting food on the family table, shopping the finest items for her family; The full hustler package. The only woman I knew in my tiny life who ran the show like this? Pure magic. I wanted to be like her. The thought of becoming a fine business woman someday like the women on TV finally looked possible and that was exciting. I also wanted to travel the world and experience everything she had told us about other countries. My siblings and i still make fun of how the name “Dubai” sounded like a new planet the first time we heard it, some 20 years ago, when she told us it was her next destination. Mama was global, we had to catch up.

I didn’t obsess about it but it was always my deepest heart desire to become her type of woman someday. As a matter of fact, the plan was to become a pharmacist because i was a faithful science student but hey, look at me now. I’m a growing business woman living my dreams thanks to my mother who found the strength and courage to live her own dreams against all odds. Thank you Mama. Happy Mother’s Day with love from your proud daughter, Anyi Asonganyi

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Fese Ndumbe-Eyoh popularly known as Fese Eva is a Fashion Designer for the brand Eloli, which she runs with her sisters, Dibo and Sume. She has such an impeccable style and she considers herself as a creative at heart, thus the amazing designs at Eloli.

Fese Eva is above all a very God fearing woman, an entrepreneur and a trailblazer in the Cameroonian fashion scene and most importantly, a MOM. We linked up with Fese Eva to share her life as an entrepreneur and a Mom with us. Sit tight !

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SMM : Wait! Can you first tell us what ELOLI means? I’m dying to know how you came about with the name. FESE EVA : We are Bafaw from Kumba, South West Province and we have always been very proud of our heritage. As such when we were looking for a name for the brand, we wanted something that resonated with who we are as well as what the brand stands for, African beauty. ‘Eloli’ means ‘It is beautiful’. SMM : How did you get into entrepreneurship? Please tell us more about your journey as an entrepreneur? FESE EVA : I decided to become an entrepreneur when I realized that the goal in life is to be successful ...not necessarily undergoing a classic career doing so. It was all the more exciting because I could be great while doing what I love...creating. I realized that in order to keep creating successfully, I needed to fine tune my business skills and remain consistent and relevant. We started designing mostly for people within our close social circle and as our fan base grew we went ahead to set up online platforms followed by our store front in Yaoundé, a few years later. SMM : Oh wow. Did you read any books that inspired or motivated you in your journey? Because I know growing up in Cameroon, books were most of us our inspirations to what we grew up having passion for. You feel me? FESE EVA : It’s very funny you mentioned this because reading in our home was the culture. My father was a writer and a literature professor. He had a profound love for reading which we picked up! Reading opened my mind to so many possibilities and made me dream big. Some of my favourite books are Leaves of Fortune by Linda Barlow; you witness people building empires from nothing. I love Danielle Steel and Stephen King too, to name a few SMM : I love Danielle Steel too !!! You should check out her new book “Finding Ashley”. Who are your role models? And why? FESE EVA : I have always found Victoria

Beckham very inspiring. She has a very clear point of view and approaches fashion intelligently. . I learned a lot about branding from observing her. I love Oscar De La Renta; he was the king of drama and you know I love a dramatic outfit! Alexander McQueen’s mastery of structure is mind-blowing! I mean have you seen his work?! Amazing! This being said the international fashion industry is full of amazing people working behind the scenes, most of whose names might mean nothing to most people. Many of such people inspire and teach me daily. SMM : Please tell us about ELOLI. Now I want to know everything! The clothes, behind the scenes, etc. FESE EVA : For us it is about beautiful clothes, great silhouettes, strange colours that you wouldn’t typically put together - which are almost so wrong they’re right. It’s about presenting clothes that are elevated enough for the catwalk but that people actually want to wear; It’s never about fashion for just the sake of being trendy - I don’t want to wear things that are complicated. I’m always developing what I want in my wardrobe and I think it’s important that evolves, so you don’t get stuck in a rut, shall we say ? SMM : Yes you make perfect sense. What’s your most memorable experience as an entrepreneur in this trying times with the COVID-19 pandemic and all you know.

“

Without an ounce of hesitation I will say be unapologetic in getting all the help you can.

@eloliworld

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FESE EVA : We lost 80% of our work force as soon as the lock down was announced last year. In the beginning it didn’t pose much of a problem giving that the shop was closed ; however people started ordering more online and we quickly had to scale production back up. However in all honestly it permitted me to rest. Lord knows I was exhausted... I just had a baby! SMM : About the rest part, I FEEL YOU ! I know things are pretty different with being an entrepreneur now that you’re a mom. What are the challenges you’re facing as a working mom? (Oh by the way, Hansel is so precious awww ☺️) FESE EVA : Haha he is! He is the reason why I stopped complaining and focused on adapting to my new reality. As a working mom I do have less time to spend on my craft so I need to make every moment count. As a designer you need time, space and quietness to figure things out so yes with a toddler around I need to heighten my senses or I wouldn’t get anything done. Before I will spend hours working sometimes sewing from morning to morning (24hrs straight) but now that is very impossible. SMM : Would you like to give any tips to other mompreneurs on how to juggle motherhood & business and how to be successful? FESE EVA : Without an ounce of hesitation I will say be unapologetic in getting all the help you can. Being a good mother does not mean one has to be stretched thin or one has to give up having a personal life. Have a support system. Delegate. Let go of the little things in your business. It will give you time to focus on the big things at home. Don’t bite more than you can chew - focus on the big picture. SMM : You are lowkey talking to me haha. “Be unapologetic in getting all the help you can !!!” Are you using any online marketing strategies for ELOLI? I mean how are you using different social media channels to market your company?

FESE EVA : Yes. We use Eloli’s main social media platforms to take orders, engage with our clients and to build our brand.

SMM : You are lowkey talking to me haha. “Be unapologetic in getting all the help you can !!!” Are you using any online marketing strategies for ELOLI? I mean how are you using different social media channels to market your company? FESE EVA : Yes. We use Eloli’s main social media platforms to take orders, engage with our clients and to build our brand. SMM : What’s your greatest fear as a mompreneur? FESE EVA : As a Mom, everything becomes bigger than yourself- I’m not doing this just for myself now. I am always optimistic about what life has in store for me but sometimes I imagine having to choose between my family and my craft and it terrifies me. I want both...I want it all. I don’t ever want to have to choose. SMM : What keeps you going when things are tough? Does ELOLI have a team? Because a good team (I believe) is a great stress reliever in my opinion. Whew! FESE EVA : Well, Eloli is not just me- we are three sisters at the helm of the company and we all play to our strengths which means I don’t have to focus on my weaknesses knowing that those are strengths for one of my other sisters. In addition we have a lot of support from the rest of our family. We have an incredible team within the business and we have such a strong belief in what we do so that helps keep things in focus when things get tough. SMM : Thank you so much Fese Eva for taking time out your busy schedule for this. How can people connect with you and ELOLI both online and offline? FESE EVA : No thank you. We are on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (@eloliworld) and you can stop by the shop in Olezoa next to Pharmacie Xavyo.in Yaoundé. What is keeping in mind on the price and not necessarily focusing on the money. In times like this we focus. SMM :Thank you so much Fese and Happy Mother’s Day to you

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Patriarchy in Africa

s we celebrate our mothers through out this month of May, it’s only fair we dig deep into the silent battles they fought/fight as an African mother and wife in a patriarchal society. In the simplest of terms, Patriarchy is defined as the dominance of the male gender in the family, society, in political and financial settings. The male has the power to make all the important decisions related to various issues including property, education, careers, businesses, marriages, moral practices, etc. on behalf of any other members of the family. Growing up in an Africa, I realized women put in an extra effort to prove themselves all the time; at work, at home, etc, they accepted to be looked down upon and endured it because it’s a “norm” but deep in their hearts, they knew it was wrong. They had to take a major burn of this prejudiced and unfair patriarchal mindset which is based on gender inequality. Fathers, brothers and male colleagues are given obvious priority over the females in most spheres of life. Men are served food first and the kitchen is a woman’s place regardless of if she had a job as well or not. African women had to work, cook for their husbands and children, clean the house with little or no assistance from men. In Career choices, men are allowed a wider range in career options, while women are restricted to a very few, socially acceptable choices. Women become the flag bearer of most sacrifices, in the name of family honor and are denied the social and domestic rights in some situations. A disturbing fact is we females are guilty of encouraging patriarchy knowingly or unknowingly. YES! Females, hardly ever notice the fact that, in a patriarchal system, men are being given clear priority and importance over women for no valid or logical reason at all. And this fact is the most disturbing and disappointing to me. The main victims of this practice – women – are themselves not fully aware of its evil presence in their lives and its ill-effects on their minds. Unfortunately, we were brainwashed that way

by our mothers to accept that the man is “in-charge”. She (our mothers) never thought of going against it and she doesn’t want you to do so. Whether it ‘works perfectly well’ for her or not, she wants to maintain the superficial harmony and the status quo in the family. Her intentions are good but the underlying encouragement of the unhealthy patriarchal system and the long-standing effects of it, are not. The materialistic and money-oriented society has taught us to accept the man as the head of the family. Even when women of today (aware and outspoken) are asking for their rights, society blames it to their financial freedom, education, etc which proves that we still live in a patriarchal society. Below are a few ways in which women suffer the ill-effects of this patriarchal system

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and by their husbands and in-laws at home due mainly to the misogynistic mindset of people.

“

Unfortunately, we were brainwashed that way by our mothers to accept that the man is “in-charge”

* Limited financial freedom: Many women make equal, and sometimes, even more, financial contribution to their family than their husbands. However, many of them do not have equal financial freedom in the house. Particularly in rural areas, they may have to hand over their income to their husbands. * Limited participation in decision making: In many households, women’s opinion is not paid much heed when it comes to making an important decision such as a property deal, considering a marriage proposal for a family member or purchasing a vehicle, etc. * Expected to provide free care work: Even though a woman might be working outside for as many hours as her husband, she is expected to take most of the responsibility of the household as well. * Subjected to harassment at home and work: Many women face harassment at the hands of their boss and co-workers in their workplace

Although Patriarchy has outgrown the family and deeply affected the society at large; the education begins at home. It is because the leader for change comes from strong homes and not from society. As patriarchy negatively affects the womankind, it is a calling of every woman to take accountability to change the system. It is time for mothers to think for themselves whether the patriarchal system has truly been beneficial for them or has it cut their wings that had the power to soar high in the skies of wonderful opportunities. Men also can support it by introspecting their own beliefs and prejudices against women. They need to become more open-minded to accept this change so that men and women can stand on equal grounds and work together to make our country and the world a truly wonderful place. Due to the more nuclear family system, it is now easier for parents to stop encouraging patriarchy at homes as they do not have to fight the thought process of elders now. Both parents should never belittle their daughters for trying to think independently and standing against the unreasonable supremacy of the men in the family. Young girls and boys must be educated in the concepts of gender equality. Every household or outdoor labour must be taught and work to be distributed irrespective of gender. Children must be encouraged to take a strong stand against any such practice in their household or work environment that puts them below their gender counterparts. Despite all these struggles and hurdles, our mothers still showed up in our times of need as mothers, best friends, loving wives and more. For that we appreciate them and we can do so by fighting this bias system. Happy Mother’s Day! By Pearl Njinjoh.

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Mothers Day For The Black Woman 19

This Mother’s Day, there will be an overwhelming amount of “Letter to My Mom” and “Reasons Moms Are the Best” articles. Don’t get me wrong, they are heartwarming and sweet and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with them, but Mother’s Day isn’t just about mothers. On Mother’s Day, we often not only celebrate mothers but aunts, grandmothers, godmothers, etc. Mother’s Day is a chance to celebrate all the woman in our lives and this Mother’s Day I’d like to take the chance to celebrate a very specific group of woman. I’d like to celebrate the black woman. Malcom X once said that “the most disrespected person in America is the Black woman, the most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.” This quote sums up a lifetime’s worth of pent up emotions that not only myself but most black women I have encountered feel. My mother once said to me that I was born with two strikes

against me. Those two strikes are my skin color and my gender. I’m not sure if she remembers even telling me this but I’ve never forgotten. I’ve never forgotten the minute I finally understood that as black women we have to work harder, longer and stronger than most. However, it was one thing to understand it and another to see it. I see it in my mother who works two jobs and excels at both and in my aunt who after having a serious medical problem is stronger than ever. I see it in my friends, some of the most beautiful girls I’ve ever seen, but because they don’t fit Eurocentric standards refuse to believe it. As a black woman, you don’t get to believe you’re beautiful right away. It took me nineteen years to even consider that my skin wasn’t too dark, my nose too wide or lips too big. All we ever see is All we ever see is the continual praise of European feature or even worse, our features praised on anyone else but us. Kylie Jenner’s lips are sexy yet this dark skinned model for MAC Cosmetics with beautiful full lips is disgustingly ridiculed.

We suffer from mental illness that gets stigmatized and low self-esteem that’s been pounded into us from our teachers to our so-called “friends.” Our bodies are sexualized and our intelligence often devalued. We’re the sassy black friend, single mother secretary, struggling stripper or rejected baby mama in films. Proper representation is such a foreign concept to us that when we get it, it can bring some of us to tears. Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder were the very first time I ever saw myself in a black woman on screen and that was at the age of eighteen. I and many other black girls and woman had to wait their whole lives just to feel represented Black women are so beaten down yet no matter how large our problem spans over society we are the only ones that see them. When we talk about them we’re brushed aside as being angry and unjustified in our dialogue. However, this article’s sole purpose is not to call all this out because I haven’t even touched a fraction of it. This is to celebrate the fact that despite all this, black woman are still stronger than fathomable.

This article is for the black single moms, the black women in Congress and the black girls who just can’t feel beautiful. This article is for black sex workers and LGBTQ+ black women. This article is for the black grandmothers who have lived to see a black man in the White House. This article is for my mother, sister, aunts, grandmother, cousins and friends who struggle because of their skin color. This article is for any and every black woman out there because you are all beautiful. You are all strong. You are all amazing. You are all the things society has repeatedly told you that you couldn’t be. Today, on Mother’s Day, celebrate every women in your life but take the time to stop and ask the black women in it about their experiences. I’m sure they’ll be nothing less than warriors in your eyes by the time they’re done. Source: theodysseyonline.com

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Mother’s day is such an important date in the year. After birthdays, another special day for moms is Mother’s Day. It’s a day moms get to be pampered, sit back and relax, so that other people can take care of them, instead of worrying about other people. For African moms, such a day mostly don’t mean much to them since they don’t even realize or know why Mother’s Day can be a deal. But nonetheless, we can use some few ideas to brighten their days. That’s why in this post, I want to share some thoughtful gift ideas for African mom (especially), aunties, grandmothers, step-mothers, sisters, and any other motherly figure in your lives.

I hope our African inspired Mother’s Day gift guide inspired you to grab something special for the special women in your life. Whether given to your mother, aunt, mother figure or mentor these fabulous gifts are as special as the woman who will receive them.

! y a D s r e h t o M y app SA MAJESTÉ MAGAZINE

MOTHERHOOD IS IRREFUTABLY ONE OF THE GREATEST AND MOST BEAUTIFUL MIRACLES HUMANITY CONTINUES TO WITNESS. Testimonies are many as to how life changing this process has been. Like the old African adage goes, the father might be the head of the family, but the mother is the heart. In a bid to pay homage to these ladies who very often than not were ready to risk it all to bring forth life, Cameroonian musicians have over the years written very beautiful to describe these beings. Songs have varying inspirations, but nothing beats one inspired by the love for a mother. To commemorate Mother`s day this year, we at Sa Majesté Magazine thought it the ideal time to explore some of these tracks which these musicians wrote for their mothers. Walk with us as we have a look at a select few.

SWEET MOTHER PRINCE NICO MBARGA: This track has remained a timeless classic and one of the most iconic pieces in this repertoire. Sometimes called Africa`s Anthem, “sweet mother” remains till date one of the most popular songs in Africa. In this emotionally packed highlife song released in 1976, the Rocafil Jazz Maestro celebrates motherhood. Mbarga projects the mother as a tireless being, ready to do anything to see her child happy. “If I no sleep, my mother no go sleep, if I no chop my mother no go chop. She no di tire, sweet mother I no go forget this suffer whe you suffer for me ……..” An auditory delight performed in Pidgin English, every time you listen to this piece, you can`t help but get emotional.

MAMA ADNA:

MAMA – X-MALEYA:

Questioned on what brought them together, the boys band made up of household names on the Cameroonian music scene said they initially came together to do the song “Mama”. It was the fusion of their voices on this masterpiece which gave them impetus to come up with an album. In this beautifully rendered track, sung in the Duala language, ADNA, the boys band describe a mother as God on earth. “….Iwiye na Mbale we nde jabea la Loba…” (truly you are my God on earth). In his verse Armand Biyag notes that his mother is his gift from God, he will never forget her.

When the trio released their first album, this song was one of the hit songs. During concerts, ladies would vibe to the tune and lyrics of the song. it was welcomed with popular acclaim not only because of its melody but because of the potency of its text. In this track, sung in the French and Bassa languages, the trio projects a mother as a safe spot, an angel, in whose absence they`d be lost. “…..she is so cute, beautiful African woman. I introduce her to you she`s my very dear mother. She is my refuuge, this beautiful African woman; without her I feel weak. She watches over my life, I thank God for having such a mother. She prays day and night so that id never ever fall, without her i`m lost”.

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COMING SOON !

MANGUE AIIH AOOH: In this soon to be released track which has already won the hearts of many fans across social media, the budding artist Aiih Aooh Epie pays a vibrant tribute to his mother. Despite her mentally challenged state, his sweet mother has always made the conscious effort every time he has been around to ensure that he had something to eat, and that her children were comfortable. The song is projected to be in the list of most awaited songs this year 2021.

MUMMY LOVE MAGASCO:

SWEET MAMA KAMENI:

This very captivating piece is surprisingly one of the crooner`s tracks which hasn`t been very much consumed by the general public. Magasco reveals that he is ready to break every wall just to see his mum live a happy life after all the hardships she has gone through to see that he becomes someone. “… nobody fit tell me nothing, me already know se na you suffer for my life. All I wanna do is make you live a happy life……”

In this beautiful tribute to her mother, the Lionn production artist paints a portrait of her mother as her first teacher, her life and her source of unending love, that person for whom she`d do anything for. “Sweet Mama I love you die. Mama de na one, your love is pure, your love di sweet like sugar, you taught me how to work, pray, talk, mummy anything for you”.

SUPER WOMAN - MOTHER`S TZY PANCHAK: LOVE DAPHNE: If one were to summarize this song by the Blu Nation soldier in a word, it will be gratitude. Gratitude for everything his superwoman has done to see him stand on his feet. “you stood by me when I didn`t have money, you are there for me. When I get into trouble, you will rescue me…… Every morning I pray to God thanking him for sending an angel my way…”

Daphne effortlessly lures us into a journey of discovering the immensity of the love her mother has for her. One is easily drowned by the moninkim-like rhythm, to the extent that you no longer pay attention to the potency of her poetry. With the most basic of words she succeeds to win the hearts of both mothers and kids. “Ele Ele, Ele me eh oh (hug me)” what a masterpiece!!!

If one were to draw adjectives from all songs written in honour of our mothers, an encyclopedia won`t suffice. Which other songs do you remember????? By Lionel Tchoungui Bidzogo SA MAJESTÉ MAGAZINE

Available on iTunes and Apple Music

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